Family-owned Pacific Coast Pets is one of the Malibu’s few pet stores, while second-generation Malibu Glass & Mirror is still going strong after four decades.
By Homaira Shifa / Special to The Malibu Times
When Pet Headquarters closed in Cross Creek plaza back in 2009, it created a new opportunity for a family-owned pet store to step in and take its place. Paul Dalton worked at Pet Headquarters for 17 years before he opened Pacific Coast Pets in January 2009. When Pet Headquarters closed, he bought out their inventory and started his own business.
His wife Tina worked part-time in advertising with Pet Headquarters before opening Pacific Coast Pets. Their 16-year-old son, Paul (PJ), now helps out with the business during his summer breaks from high school.
“Our prices are fairly competitive with bigger pet stores like Petco,” Dalton said. “Locals recognize that and that’s what keeps us going.”
Pacific Coast Pets offers a wide variety of pet supplies, from pet food and treats to flea and tick products. Although they do not sell pets, they carry a variety of Crickets, Worms, and feeder Mice.
Several rescue organizations, including Baldwin Park Shelter, Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation and Animal Advocates Alliance, work with Pacific Coast Pets and hold pet adoption days regularly. All the animals are vaccinated and microchipped.
“Last Saturday we worked with Animal Advocates and gave away seven dogs and three cats,” Dalton said.
“There aren’t many pet stores in Malibu,” Dalton said. “A lot of people have said they are glad we are there. It’s convenient for the community.”
Paul and Tina are considering opening up another store near Zuma.
“Customers have told me they wished there was another location at the other end of town,” Dalton said.
Paul and Tina themselves own three dogs, three turtles, one cat, and three chinchillas. Paul attended Pepperdine University in 1991.
Visit www.pacificcoastpetsmalibu.com for more information on Pacific Coast Pets.
Malibu Glass & Mirror – a family affair
Solange and Pierre Lemonnier established Malibu Glass & Mirror in 1971 and their son Gerald took over the business in 1988.
Gerald, who grew up and lives in Malibu, lost everything he and his father built in the 2007 Malibu fires, including all inventory and tools.
The store is still in the process of being rebuilt and will be complete by the end of the summer.
Malibu Glass & Mirror primarily specializes in the installation and replacement of windows and doors, but also offers custom shower and mirror design and installation and design and installation of custom glass railing, windbreaks and skylights.
Pierre was a glass installer and decided to open his own business in 1971 and more than 40 years later, Malibu Glass & Mirror is still flourishing.
“Great contractors and the residents of Malibu help make us a success,” Gerald said.
Gerald has serviced the communities along the Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles and Beverly Hills for more than 25 years.
Malibu Glass & Mirror has one location and doesn’t have any thoughts of opening up any other stores.
“Our roots are here and we are going to stay here in Malibu,” Gerald said.
Visit www.malibuglass.com for more information on Malibu Glass & Mirror.